Theatre Arts prepares students to bring the “word” to life through purposeful relationships and to tell important life-changing stories. Incarnation is the heart of theatre, making the “word” become “flesh.” Effectively accom­plished, theatre awakens the members of the audience to an awareness of their spiritual capability. A good story, powerfully conceived and well executed, forces the consideration of significant questions such as: Is this true? Could it be true? Am I like this? Could I be? Should I be?

The focus of the program is to provide artistic preparation and exploration for a broad range of individual interests—from those who desire to influence professional theatre to those who plan to use theatre in ministry, education, or business. Within the liberal arts setting, the department also seeks to develop educated and artistically sensitive audience members capable of perceptively interacting with all manner of productions from a Christian worldview.

In order to accommodate specialized interests in theatre arts, the major is divided into two emphases: acting/directing and musical theatre. While integrating the Christian faith throughout each specialization, analysis and production of dramatic literature from ancient classics to modern experimental pieces enrich the study of theatre at Bethel University.

An individual project in backstage/technical work (set building, props, lights, or costumes) or acting to be done in conjunction with the theatre productions being performed during current semester. Minimum of 30 hours. Class size depends on the needs for the individual production. Prerequisites: Consent of department. Offered: Fall, Spring even # years

THA 195 • Theatre Hour.0 Credit.

Attendance of two performances at an area theatre and discussion of topics of significance to theatre artists. Grade exceptions: Graded on an S/U basis. Offered: Fall, Spring. Special Notes: Theatre majors must register each semester in residence in order to complete the theatre attendance requirement for graduation.

THA 202A • Producing and Performing a Musical: Into the Woods.3 Credits.

An intensive experience in the production and performance of a musical. Instruction and coaching in the unique art of musical theatre as well as direct involvement in all aspects of mounting a show according to a professional summer stock or repertory model. Prerequisites: Audition for and be cast in the show. Offered: Interim, odd # years

THA 212A • Voice Production.3 Credits.

A group-intensive laboratory designed to explore the art of using the voice. Key skills such as projection, articulation, vocal flexibility, and vocal exercises designed to broaden and develop the vocal instrument. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing. Offered: Fall 2019.

THA 214 • Stage Combat.3 Credits.

A group-intensive laboratory designed to explore special areas in theatre. Students will learn techniques of stage combat and movement including unarmed, quarterstaff, and rapier. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor. Offered: Spring.

THA 220 • Projects in Performance.1 Credit.

An individual project in acting, stage-managing, or design to be done in conjunction with the theatre productions being performed during current semester. Prerequisites: Casting in a production or consent of department. Special Notes: Maximum of 1 credit per area, per semester and 4 credits per four years. Offered: Fall, Interim, Spring.

THA 240 • Stagecraft.3 Credits.

Techniques used to mount a theatre production through developing and adapting the skills and creative capabilities inherent in each student. Set construction, painting and dyeing, makeup, and lighting techniques. Prerequisites: GES 125 or GES 147. Offered: Spring, odd # years.

THA 279 • Theatre and Culture: Classical to Modern.4 Credits.

Dynamic interrelationship of theatre and culture, focusing on the correlations among a people’s worldview; their religious, philosophical, political, and aesthetic concerns; and their dramatic art as it was brought to life on the stages of their time. Script analysis and theatrical activity of the classical, medieval, Renaissance, and neoclassical periods. Offered: Fall, odd # years.

THA 291L • Theatre in the Modern Age.3 Credits.

Theatre’s role as a reflector and instigator of cultural change during the modern period: reli­gious, philosophical, political, social, and aesthetic. The theatrical “isms”: naturalism, realism, surrealism, symbolism, expressionism, and absurdism. Prerequisites: GES 160; GES 130 or GES 244 (may be taken concurrently). Offered: Spring, even # years.

THA 302 • Producing and Performing a Musical: Into the Woods.3 Credits.

Additional experience in the production and performance of a musical. Instruction and coaching in the unique art of musical theatre as well as direct involvement in all aspects of mounting a show according to a professional summer stock or repertory model. Prerequisites: Audition for and be cast in the show; THA 202A. Offered: Interim, odd # years

A group intensive laboratory designed to explore techniques utilized in acting for the camera. Work in scene study, character analysis, and individual performance skills needed in acting for film, auditioning, and creating résumés. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing. Offered: Spring, even # years.

THA 315 • Performing Shakespeare.3 Credits.

The art of performing and acting Shakespeare. Basic key skills such as scansion and antithesis, and performance techniques needed to analyze and interpret Shakespearean text for performance. Group lab experiences and work with Shakespearean scenes and monologues. Prerequisites: ENL 303 or ENL 321 or THA 350. Offered: Spring, odd # years.

THA 320 • Projects in Performance.1 Credit.

An individual project in acting, stage-managing, or design to be done in conjunction with the theatre productions being performed during current semester. Prerequisites: Casting in a production or consent of department. Special Notes: Maximum of 1 credit per area, per semester and 4 credits per four years. Offered: Fall, Interim, Spring, odd # years.

THA 330 • Topics in Theatre Arts.3 Credits.

A group-intensive laboratory designed to explore special topics in theatre such as playwriting, character/tap dance, theatre for youth and children, and other topics depending on student interest. Students may interact with theatre professionals and develop individual performance skills. Prerequisites: Consent of instructor; sophomore standing. Offered: Occasionally

THA 350 • Advanced Acting.3 Credits.

Advanced work in scene study, character analysis, and individual performance skills. Prerequisites: THA 100A. Offered: Fall, even # years

THA 360 • Musical Theatre.3 Credits.

The identification and development of a singer-actor’s skills through classroom exercises and assignments utilizing the literature of musical theatre; process and value of group interaction and coaching. Includes various performances. Prerequisites: THA 100A or THA 202A; or Consent of instructor; Sophomore standing. Offered: Spring, even # years.

THA 405 • Directing.4 Credits.

Directing fundamentals including: blocking, characterization, how to find and secure rights, playscript interpretation, character analysis, organization and preparing budgets, and director/actor and director/designer relationships. Development of a directoral perspective and process through play analysis and workshop experience. Prerequisites: THA 350 or consent of instructor. Offered: Fall, even # years.

An individual project in acting, stage-managing, or design to be done in conjunction with the theatre productions being performed during current semester. Prerequisites: Casting in a production or consent of department. Special Notes: Maximum of 1 credit per area, per semester and 4 credits per four years. Offered: Fall, Spring, Interim odd # years.

A culminating theatre project intended to challenge the creativity and professional talents of the senior theatre arts major. Projects may include designing for a major production, performing an acting recital, directing a one-act play, writing a script, or developing an experimental project. Prerequisites: Major in theatre arts; consent of department. Offered: Fall, interim, spring